Page 15 - Voices-2022-02
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FROM THE DESK
Do you answer when called?
Jim Robison, DTM - Club Growth Director
I was thinking about what to write for Voices! River.
magazine this month, when I read a story about This rescue required several elements to come
the rescue of a recently retired Clark County together.
Sheriff Deputy from drowning in the Columbia 1. Shaun was prepared to call for help when he
River. This story involved being prepared, coming needed it.
up with an alternative solution, responding when 2. Sally was quickly able to think beyond the
called, and getting help from those you can rely normal response and find an alternative.
on. 3. When Chris got the call, he reacted quickly
Shaun was kayaking on the Columbia River and recruited help.
when his kayak overturned. He, being unable 4. Gregg and Aram did not hesitate to join and
to get back in his kayak, was able to grab onto provide the help needed.
some driftwood stuck to a piling but was quickly This illustrates a good lesson for many of
becoming hypothermic. Shaun, being prepared, life’s situations. Whether it is in your work, in
called 911 from his phone and the dispatcher your daily life, or in your Toastmasters Club, you
stayed on the line with him during this entire could at any time be called on to help someone.
ordeal. Any response from law enforcement or Relating this to Toastmasters consider this.
the Coast Guard was too far away to help Shaun 1. Do you know who to call for help in
quickly enough. Sally at the Clark Regional Toastmasters for yourself or for your Club?
Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) “had the 2. If you are an officer or a District leader and
brilliant idea to call Pekin Ferry boat launch.” are called on to help a member or a Club, do
My nephew, Chris Robison, got the call and you have alternative solutions that you can
was instantly concerned and willing to help. He call on?
launched his boat with the help of his friends 3. When your Toastmasters Club or the District
Gregg and Aram and they were on their way. call on you to help, are you ready to jump
Shaun “is not sure he is going to make it and right in and act?
thinks he has maybe 10 minutes left before he 4. Do you know who you can rely on in your
loses consciousness.” Without much time to spare, team to succeed when called on?
Chris, Gregg and Aram from Pekin Ferry located When all these elements come together,
Shaun “and pulled him from the cold water into amazing things can be accomplished. Remember,
their boat.” Chris said that from the time he got people are usually willing to provide help when
the call to getting Shaun back on shore was 22 needed, they just need to be asked. When you
minutes. Fast action considering that the boat are asked, do you answer?
launch is almost 3 river miles from the Columbia
VOICES! | FEBRUARY 2022 15
